Even when life feels big.

The end of this year has been heavy for me. I’m lucky enough to be rich in loving family, and I spent this Yule soaking them up. As we move through the festive season, I’m ever more aware of the cold barren January that awaits.

In for 2026? Prioritizing our mental health. These are my lifelines:

1. Journaling. Pen to paper. It doesn’t have to be profound – it rarely is – often, it’s the most surface-level, “in the moment” thoughts. And somehow, bringing them out of my mind and onto a page makes them smaller, more manageable. No judgement, no editing, just a brain dump.
2. Walking. There’s something about stepping outside, letting my body move, and plugging into a favourite podcast or playlist. I’ll admit, I haven’t done it nearly as much lately. The December cold in Calgary doesn’t make things easy, and anxiety whispers all the reasons I should stay in. But, even taking small steps—literally—matter.
3. Comfort shows are another small joy, though perhaps a mundane one. When life feels big, I return to Schitt’s Creek, Modern Family, Community—shows I know by heart. They’re my favourite way to disassociate.
4. Lastly, creating with no agenda. This one is tricky. Perfectionism is anxiety in disguise, and starting without a perfectly laid plan feels as scary as stepping off a cliff. But once I push past that initial hesitation, I discover how much joy can be found in unplanned creation.

So there’s how I’ll be keeping my mind healthy & happy while I await the returning sun. What will you do to make it through January?

AC